Winter SnowFest comes to Eastern Plumas County

The third annual Winter SnowFest this weekend, Feb. 15 – 17, has snowballed its way into Eastern Plumas County, bringing with it an avalanche of activities and events for the public to enjoy.

After much preparation and many hours of work, the Graeagle-Plumas Alliance expects this year’s SnowFest to be the most successful to date.

With the inauguration of many new events, as well as improvements on the old ones, the GPA has worked to establish the SnowFest as a new awakening for the sleepy area after the winter.

“Right now we’re just working on the last minute things — the final organization for a real smooth event,” said GPA co-chairman Chris David.

The weekend will not be without its share of merriment and libations. The restaurant at Nakoma will provide the food, and the entire event has been sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

It seems the Winter SnowFest will be filled to the brim with events and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

The festival will start on Friday with a dinner and comedy night at Longboards Bar & Grill, and will end on Sunday after the longboard races.

Saturday will offer a multitude of events including the GPA Snow Carnival for the kids starting at 10 a.m. at the Johnsville Ski Hill. The carnival will include everything from a snow sculpting competition to a snowball-throwing contest, to sledding and snowman-making.

Also on Saturday there will be the 16th annual Lake Davis Rotary Snowmobile Poker Run. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The run challenges participants to a game of poker via snowmobile. There will be checkpoints along the way where each participant will be given a card. At the end of the run the individual with the best hand wins.

Another Saturday event is the exciting 2013 California state snowshoe championships at the ski bowl in Johnsville at 10 a.m. The competitors will be striving to qualify for the national championships, and spectators are welcome.

Also on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. cross-country skier Ken McMasters will be conducting a three-mile interpretive tour through Plumas-Eureka State Park. Cross-country skiers and showshoers are welcome to come enjoy the winter wonderland.

The trail will end at the museum and participants have the choice to return back through the snow or take a shuttle. Basic cross-country and snowshoe experience is recommended.

The day will end with a Play Day at Longboards Bar & Grill. From 3 to 7 p.m. the restaurant will offer drinks and food for the public. There will also be sleigh rides through the woods courtesy of GiddyUp and Go Sleigh and Carriage Services.

Sunday will be packed with events as well, starting with a snowmobile morning breakfast ride at Lake Davis. The ride will go from 10 a.m. to noon and reservations can be made at J&J’s Grizzly Store, 832-0270.

Sunday will also feature the second round of the Plumas Ski Club Historic Longboard Revival Series at the Johnsville Ski Hill. The public and participants alike have an opportunity to take a step back in time with the traditional ski races. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. but racing starts at noon.

The final event will be the “After Ski” Party at Longboards from 3 to 7 p.m. with prize drawings and fun for everyone to enjoy.

All of the proceeds for the festival will be split between the Johnsville Ski Hill project and Plumas-Eureka State Park. The public is invited to come out and enjoy the snow. For more information contact the Eastern Plumas Chamber of Commerce at 836-6811.